Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

This Crockpot Chicken Breast is my favorite way to cook chicken that we use all week long. It’s so juicy, flavorful, and easy. Whipping up a batch or two of chicken breasts seasoned with my homemade blend of spices each week makes life so much easier with two young kids. I use this slow cooker chicken for sandwiches, tacos, salads, bowls, and more. I’m so proud that over 1000 home cooks agree and have rated this recipe a 5 star success.

overhead sliced crockpot chicken breasts with spice rub on white plate

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When I developed this recipe, I instantly knew that it would be something I would make time and time again. Crockpot cooked chicken breast is easy and perfect as a base for lunch, dinner, or for meal prepping.

Seasoned Crockpot Chicken Breast Recipe

I make this seasoned slow cooker chicken breast about once a week. My site is known for simple recipes like this, and this is a stand-out favorite. The chicken can be meal prepped for the week in one simple recipe, and used for all different recipes that the family will love.

Easy. Just toss in a handful of ingredients, set the cooker, and it’ll come out deliciously juicy!
Tasty. I used a mix of onion and garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, and salt and pepper for a simple flavor that works for everyday meals.
Versatile. This crockpot chicken makes a great base for a ton of different lunches, dinners or for weekly meal prep.

Variations

While this Crockpot recipe works best with boneless chicken breasts, I’ve also used the same ingredients and instructions to make boneless, skinless chicken thighs.

If you plan to use skin-on or bone-in chicken breast or thighs, the cooking times may change. Make sure to check the internal temperature of any chicken you cook, and be sure it reads 165°F before consuming.

I love how easy it is to switch out all of the herbs and spices to create any flavor my family requests. Some of my kids favorites have been using taco or ranch seasoning in place of the homemade spice blend. They love when I make Southwest Chicken Burrito Bowls using this recipe but with Taco Seasoning.

seasoned chicken breasts cooked in a crockpot.

How to Store and Reheat

I store leftover Crockpot chicken in an airtight container, and keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. I simply reheat in a pan set over medium-low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second increments until warmed through.

How to Freeze

After removing the chicken breasts from the Crockpot, let them cool. I store them in freezer-safe, resealable bags or containers, and keep them in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can wrap pieces in foil or plastic wrap if you want extra protection from freezer burn. I always let chicken defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating and eating.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite thing about this slow cooker chicken recipe is how versatile it is! It makes a healthy and tasty main dish for any dinner or lunch, and pairs well with all kinds of side dishes. I love to serve it with mashed potatoes, creamed green beans, cucumber salad, and Hawaiian rolls.

We also use leftovers to make pulled chicken sandwiches, creamy chicken soup, or chicken fajitas. The possibilities are endless with this amazing chicken breast recipe!

up close crockpot chicken breasts on white platter

More Ways to Cook Chicken

I have absolutely loved developing recipes to perfectly cook juicy chicken every time with lots of different methods. After making this one, be sure to try these other easy recipes:

5-Star Review

“So juicy! My new favorite way of cooking chicken!” – Nikki

How to Make Crockpot Chicken Breasts Step by Step

Season the Chicken: Pour the ½ cup of low-sodium chicken broth into your slow cooker. Combine 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, ½ teaspoon of ground paprika, ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder in a small dish. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the seasonings over 4 large chicken breasts, and place them into the slow cooker.

Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until they reach 165°F internally.

Slice and Serve: This is where the fun comes in. Slice and seal for the week, using this deliciously juicy chicken for salads, tacos, casseroles, sandwiches, and more. The sky is the limit as to how this simple and deliciously seasoned crockpot chicken can be used throughout the week.

Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in a crockpot?

Unfortunately, it’s not best to cook frozen chicken breast in a slow cooker. The temperature of the crock pot doesn’t get high enough fast enough for the bacteria to be killed. It’s best to only use freshly thawed chicken or thaw them in the microwave before adding them to the crockpot.

How long do I cook chicken in the crock pot?

Crockpot chicken cook time will depend on the setting you want your crock pot on. If you are like me, you like to add everything to the crockpot in the morning and let your crockpot cook on low. In this case, it will need to cook for 4 to 6 hours. If you want to wait till later in the day to get your crockpot chicken breasts cooking, you can cook on high for 2 to 4 hours.

What’s the best spice rub for chicken breasts?

You can add/remove ingredients as you see fit but I use salt, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, pepper and garlic powder. Feel free to adjust the spices to your personal preferences.

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Judy

Posted on 8/7/2023

With the amount of paprika and black pepper is this really spicy? Can I cut back on both or add very little? Also if I don’t have olive oil can I substitute?

Samantha Marceau

Posted on 8/8/2023

Reply to Judy

Hi Judy, paprika is not spicy! It’s just ground up red bell peppers. The black pepper also shouldn’t be enough to make this dish spicy. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use avocado, canola, or vegetable oil instead!

Tamara G. Suttle

Posted on 9/7/2023

Reply to Samantha Marceau

Hi, Judy! I use SMOKED paprika rather than HOT paprika. The SMOKED paprika isn’t spicy at all; it’s just delicious!

Samuel

Posted on 7/23/2023

This is a really good recipe. I put 3/4 cup chicken broth and I coated the chicken pretty good with olive oil. At around 4 and a half hours, I took the chicken out and it was very tender and I could pull the meat apart with my fingers. I made some of the Zatarain’s yellow rice and used the leftover broth to sub for some of the water and it came out excellent. All in all, it was good and a pretty easy recipe.

Dlevy

Posted on 7/19/2023

These were the most moist and delicious chicken breasts

Kjetil

Posted on 7/17/2023

This turned out great for me, tho i used a thermometer and my chicken was at the right internal temp after only 2hrs on low. Just a tip for the ppl in here who have had some dry issues : )

Reply to Kjetil

Thanks so much for sharing what worked for you!

Frederick Squires

Great idea, using a meat thermometer while slo-cooking… TY

Debbie

Posted on 7/16/2023

This was very easy and delicious!

Candy

Posted on 7/15/2023

How long would you cook chicken breast tenderloins for?

Reply to Candy

I would do low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours!

Posted on 7/18/2023

Thank you.

Melanie Conner

Posted on 7/14/2023

Fantastic Recipe. I love this in everyway. It is so easy. It works with my terrible food allergies and I can make a double batch and freeze half and have it on hand. So grateful for this recipe. Thank you, thank you, thank you.